Cryosurgical sterilization in bitches

Cryosurgical oophorectomy (Group I; n=6) and conventional surgical oophorectomy (Group II; n=6) following standard midline laparotomy were compared in a clinical trial on twelve healthy bitches. The cryosurgical oophorectomy was found bit quicker (Average 32 min) as compared to conventional surgical oophorectomy (Average 35 min). The total erythrocyte count fluctuated nonsignificantly (P>0.05) within the physiological range at different time intervals. The nonsignificant (P>0.05) variation total leucocyte count between the groups indicated that none of the procedures had specific influence on cellular defense mechanism. The neutrophils rose initially upto 48 hr, which then got substituted by the lymphocytes. A transient postoperative elevation in serum cortisol level following the procedures in both groups of animals with tendency to resume normalcy at later phases was suggestive of temporary pain and/or stress imposed by surgical as well as cryosurgical oophorectomy. Laparoscopic as well as histomorphological assessment of cryodamaged ovaries a month later confirmed their complete nonvitality. The cryosurgical oophorectomy using liquid nitrogen found simple, bloodless, safe and effective.